Introduction

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year.

What's New

22 May 2015

On this International Day for Biological Diversity, let us recommit to global action to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss, for people and for our planet. More »

22 May 2015

Statement of Mr. Braulio F. de Souza Dias, CBD Executive Secretary, on the occasion of the Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Reintroduction of Pere David’s Deer, 22 May 2015, Beijing, China. More »

22 May 2015

Statement of Mr. Braulio F. de Souza Dias, CBD Executive Secretary, on the occasion of the Celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity Organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, 22 May 2015, Beijing, China. More »